Small blessings

Yesterday, Turner and I drove to Lay Lake near Sylacauga to visit one of my dearest friends from college and his family. Jacob and I were in AU Singers together for three years, and I honestly thought I would marry him one day. (His mom also thought this...which proved to create a strong friendship between the two of us that still exists today.) Thankfully, God had much different and much more perfect plans for both of us! Although he lives much farther away than I'd like, and we don't see each other as often as we'd like, we do keep in touch and try to visit at least once a year in person if it's possible. As an added bonus, Susanna (Jacob's sister) and her husband Nolan were also at the lake, so it was quite the reunion! It was such a treat to see such special friends and watching Jacob's son, Joshua, and Turner play together just made me smile. Life is good.

Here's Turner with "Pops" - not to be confused with her own "Pop". But, she loves Joshua's "Pops" about as much as her own!

I love this sweet little foot playing in the puddles on the porch.

Swinging in the hammock with Tina, Joshua's older sister. Tina was amazing with Turner and kept her entertained for the better part of the day!

Turner's first experience with a slip and slide!

"Fwimming" in the pool!Turner enjoys playing with bubbles!
This is Joshua - isn't he handsome?

Joshua and Turner played so sweetly together yesterday - Jacob's mom commented to me about this and I glibly mentioned that perhaps they could get married since the other arranged marriage didn't work out! Funny thing is, Tina didn't hear that conversation and said to her mom later in the day, "Mom, I think Joshua and Turner could grow up and get married." Too funny!

We finished off our fun day with the final Camp War Eagle Pep Rally of the year. This was the reaction we got when Aubie came into view. (Pardon the grape she was trying to eat while shouting, "AAUUUBIE!")
But, as he came closer the clinging started again....so this is about as close to Aubie as we are going to get this year! This was only because Daddy put her there! Rest assured it didn't last long!
Turner was completely infatuated with the band, but mostly with the majorettes. Our friend Kimberly (Miss AU) offered to share her batons with Turner and she was completely enthralled with them! Bless her heart, the Stone legs aren't built to be majorettes....more like cross country runners or cheerleaders....but we'll certainly encourage her to do whatever she wants!


The annual end of the year CWE staff party is at our house tomorrow night and this will mark the first time we've officially entertained in the new house. I am excited about this and even as I worked today preparing food, things have been easier in the new kitchen! I am anxious to see how everything flows, and works with a different layout. This party marks an exciting event - another CWE summer completed successfully!